A Key Moment to Advance Green Shipping - U.S. Department of State
The temperature goal of the Paris Agreement includes pursuing efforts to limit global average temperature rise to 1.5 degrees C above pre-industrial levels. As the Parties to the Agreement recognized in the Glasgow Climate Pact, achieving this goal “requires rapid, deep, and sustained reductions in global greenhouse gas emissions.”
Emissions from international shipping, however, are currently significant and rising – roughly equivalent to emissions from an economy the size of Germany or Japan. Looking ahead, they are projected to increase as much as 130 percent from 2008 levels by 2050.
This July, countries will convene in London for the 80th meeting of the Marine Environment Protection Committee of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) to adopt a new greenhouse gas strategy for international shipping (the “Revised Strategy”). It is a key moment to create emissions reduction targets for the sector that align with the 1.5-degree goal.
Here are three key issues to be considered at the IMO this July:
Long-term goal. The long-term goal of the current IMO greenhouse gas strategy – which includes reducing total annual greenhouse gas emissions by at least 50% by 2050 compared to 2008 – is insufficiently ambitious. The United States therefore has proposed the inclusion of a more ambitious goal – specifically, zero emissions from international shipping no later than 2050 – in the Revised Strategy. Studies show that such a goal is feasible if urgent action is taken this decade.
Interim milestones. A long-term target alone does not guarantee an emissions trajectory that is aligned with the 1.5-degree goal. The United States therefore has supported the adoption of interim goals, such as reducing total annual greenhouse gas emissions from the sector by at least 37 percent by 2030. This goal is achievable if most ships introduce what are already best-practice operational efficiencies and if even just 5 percent of the world’s fleet by energy volume adopts zero-emission fuels and technologies – leaving time to scale up broader adoption by 2040. We also have proposed to complement emissions reduction goals with a goal to increase energy consumption from zero- or near-zero emission fuels, given that the fuel transition is key to fully decarbonizing the sector.
Mid-term measures. Including 1.5-aligned emissions reduction goals in the Revised Strategy is essential to set the direction of travel toward a zero-emission international shipping sector. Yet it is also essential to create the measures that will help achieve these goals. The United States supports further progress in the IMO on developing mid-term measures, including a greenhouse gas fuel standard. An economic measure such as a maritime emissions pricing mechanism could complement this standard.
There is increasing demand from non-state actors for the transition to green shipping. Initiatives from companies, shippers, insurers, and ports continue to grow. Yet voluntary measures and investments by “first movers” will not – and should not be expected to – decarbonize the sector alone. It is vital for governments to signal this July that the maritime sector is part of the clean energy future.
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Federal Register Notices:
• Initiation of Antidumping and Countervailing Duty Administrative Reviews
• Antidumping or Countervailing Duty Investigations, Orders, or Reviews: Carbon and Alloy Seamless Standard, Line and Pressure Pipe (Under 41/2 Inches) From Japan and Romania: Continuation of the Antidumping Duty Orders
• Certain Hot-Rolled Steel Flat Products From the Republic of Korea: Preliminary Results of Antidumping Duty Administrative Review and Preliminary Determination of No Shipments; 2021-2022
• Antidumping or Countervailing Duty Investigations, Orders, or Reviews: Carbon and Alloy Seamless Standard, Line, And Pressure Pipe (Over 41/2 Inches) From Japan: Continuation of the Antidumping Duty Order
• Truck and Bus Tires From the People's Republic of China: Notice of Court Decision Not in Harmony With the Final Determination of Antidumping Duty Investigation; Notice of Amended Order; Correction
• Investigations; Determinations, Modifications, and Rulings, etc.: Crystalline Silicon Photovoltaic Cells, Whether or Not Partially or Fully Assembled Into Other Products: Monitoring Developments in the Domestic Industry
• Boltless Steel Shelving Units Prepackaged for Sale From India, Malaysia, Taiwan, Thailand, and Vietnam
• Certain Solar Power Optimizers, Inverters, and Components Thereof; Notice of a Commission Determination Not To Review an Initial Determination Granting a Joint Motion To Terminate the Investigation in Its Entirety; Termination of Investigation
• Antidumping or Countervailing Duty Investigations, Orders, or Reviews: Biodiesel From Argentina and Indonesia: Continuation of Antidumping Duty Orders and Countervailing Duty Orders
• Circular Welded Carbon-Quality Steel Pipe From the Sultanate of Oman: Final Results of Antidumping Duty Administrative Reviews; Deferred 2019-2020 Period and Concurrent 2020-2021 Period
• Certain Carbon and Alloy Steel Cut-To-Length Plate From Belgium: Preliminary Results of Antidumping Duty Administrative Review and Preliminary Determination of No Shipments; 2021-2022
• Sales at Less Than Fair Value; Determinations, Investigations, etc.: Gas Powered Pressure Washers From the Socialist Republic of Vietnam: Preliminary Affirmative Determination of Sales at Less Than Fair Value and Preliminary Determination of Critical Circumstances
• Antidumping or Countervailing Duty Investigations, Orders, or Reviews: Circular Welded Pipe and Tube From Brazil, India, Mexico, South Korea, Taiwan, Thailand, and Turkey; Scheduling of Full Five-Year Reviews
• Investigations; Determinations, Modifications, and Rulings, etc.: Non-Refillable Steel Cylinders From India
• Brass Rod From Brazil, India, Israel, Mexico, South Africa, and South Korea
• Certain Automated Retractable Vehicle Steps and Components Thereof; Notice of a Commission Determination Not To Review an Initial Determination Terminating the Investigation in its Entirety Based on a Consent Order Stipulation; Issuance of a Consent Order
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DHS to Ban Imports from Two Additional PRC-Based Companies as Part of Its Enforcement of the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act (UFLPA) - Department of Homeland Security
Nearly One Year After Implementation of the UFLPA, DHS Examined Over $1.3 Billion Worth of Goods Likely Manufactured with Forced Labor
WASHINGTON – Today the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced new actions to keep forced labor practices out of the U.S. supply chain. The interagency Forced Labor Enforcement Task Force (FLETF), led by DHS, added two People’s Republic of China (PRC)-based companies to the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act (UFLPA) Entity List. Effective June 12, 2023, goods produced by Xinjiang Zhongtai Chemical Co., Ltd. and Ninestar Corporation and eight of its Zhuhai-based subsidiaries will be restricted from entering the United States as a result of the companies’ participation in business practices that target members of persecuted groups, including Uyghur minorities in the PRC.
The UFLPA, signed into law by President Biden in December 2021, prohibits goods from being imported into the United States that are either produced in Xinjiang, or by entities identified on the UFLPA Entity List, unless the importer can prove, by clear and convincing evidence, the goods were not produced with forced labor. With today’s announcement, 22 Chinese companies are currently designated to the UFLPA Entity List. U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) began enforcing the UFLPA in June 2022. In the first year of enforcement, CBP has reviewed more than 4,000 shipments valued at over $1.3 billion under the new law.
“This Administration is committed to eradicating forced labor from U.S. supply chains and will do so while facilitating legitimate trade and strengthening the U.S. economy,” said Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro N. Mayorkas. “Our Department will not tolerate governments abusing human rights and will continue to restrict all goods at our ports of entry that use materials or workers from the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region where the People’s Republic of China aggressively oppresses and exploits Uyghurs and other Muslim-majority communities.”
In June 2022, DHS released the Strategy to Prevent the Importation of Goods Mined, Produced, or Manufactured with Forced Labor in the People’s Republic of China. The DHS Office of Strategy, Policy, and Plans; CBP; and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) are leading the Department’s efforts to change importers’ behavior and hold perpetrators accountable for egregious forced labor abuses. The FLETF —which also includes the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative and the U.S. Departments of Labor, State, the Treasury, Justice and Commerce— will continue to revise the UFLPA Entity List. DHS will post these revisions and publish the revised UFLPA Entity List as an appendix to a Federal Register notice.
“The Forced Labor Enforcement Task Force will continue to hold companies accountable for perpetuating human rights violations in Xinjiang,” said the Chair of the Forced Labor Enforcement Task Force, Under Secretary for Policy Robert Silvers. “The use of forced labor offends our values and undercuts American businesses and workers. Forced labor is now a top-tier compliance issue, and businesses must know their supply chains. DHS and the Forced Labor Enforcement Task Force will continue their vigilant approach to implementing the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act.”
You can read more about the FLETF by visiting: www.dhs.gov/uflpa.
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1,421 Pairs of Earrings Worth almost $900,000 Intercepted by Louisville CBP - U.S. Customs & Border Protection
LOUISVILLE, Ky — Monday night, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers in Louisville inspected a shipment containing a trove of earrings that were deemed to be counterfeit by CBP’s Centers of Excellence and Expertise, the agency’s trade experts.
CBP officers examined the shipment to determine the admissibility of the goods and found 1,421 pairs of earrings displaying the logos of Fendi, Versace, Yves St. Laurent, Prada, Michael Kors, Van Cleef and Arpels, Dior, Gucci, Louis Vuitton, and Chanel. The earrings were seized for infringing on the designer’s protected trademarks. The merchandise, arriving from Thailand and heading to residence in Fullerton, California, would have a Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price of $899,500 had they been genuine.
“Our officers and import specialists have done an excellent job targeting shipments and identifying counterfeit items,” said LaFonda D. Sutton-Burke, Director, Field Operations, Chicago Field Office. “CBP protects businesses and consumers every day with an aggressive intellectual property rights enforcement program.”
Every year, CBP seizes millions of counterfeit goods from countries around the world as part of its mission to protect U.S. businesses and consumers. These goods include fake versions of popular products, such as smartphones and related accessories, electronics, apparel, shoes, cosmetics, and high-end luxury goods, as well as goods posing significant health and safety concerns, such as counterfeit pharmaceuticals, bicycle and motorcycle helmets, medical devices, supplements and other consumables. Sold online and in stores, counterfeit goods hurt the U.S. economy, cost Americans their jobs, threaten consumer health and safety, and fund criminal activity. Visit the National IPR Coordination Center for more information about IPR including counterfeiting and piracy.
“Intellectual property theft threatens America’s economic vitality and funds criminal activities and organized crime,” said Louisville Port Director Thomas Mahn. “Our officers are dedicated to protecting private industry and consumers by removing these kinds of shipments from our commerce.”
Nationwide in Fiscal Year 2022, CBP seized over 24.5 million counterfeit items that would have been worth just shy of $3 billion, had the goods been genuine. CBP has established an educational initiative to raise consumer awareness about the consequences and dangers that are often associated with the purchase of counterfeit and pirated goods. Information about the Truth Behind Counterfeits public awareness campaign can be found at https://www.cbp.gov/FakeGoodsRealDangers.
CBP encourages anyone with information about counterfeit merchandise illegally imported into the United States to submit an e-Allegation. The e-Allegation system provides a means for the public to anonymously report to CBP any suspected violations of trade laws or regulations related to the importation of goods in the U.S.
CBP’s border security mission is led at 328 ports of entry by CBP officers from the Office of Field Operations. Please visit CBP Ports of Entry to learn more about how CBP’s Office of Field Operations secures our nation’s borders. Learn more about CBP at www.CBP.gov.
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U.S. Department of Transportation Announces $3 Million in ‘Quick Release’ Emergency Relief Funding to Rebuild I-95 in Philadelphia - Department of Transportation
Tanker truck fire causes partial collapse of key north-south connector
WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) today announced the immediate availability of $3 million in “quick release” Emergency Relief (ER) funds for use as a down payment by the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) to offset costs of repair work on a section of Interstate 95 in Philadelphia that collapsed as the result of a gasoline tanker truck fire. More funding is available through the FHWA’s Emergency Relief program.
“Every day counts in this urgent reconstruction project, and the quick-release funding is an important step to help PennDOT rebuild the collapsed portion of I-95,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg. “We will continue to use every federal resource we can to help Pennsylvania restore this key artery quickly and safely.”
Over the last several days, Secretary Buttigieg, Under Secretary for Transportation Carlos Monje and Federal Highway Administrator Shailen Bhatt have visited the site to view the damage and meet with state and local officials and labor leaders.
“The I-95 corridor is a vital connection for people and goods traveling along the East Coast, and we are working hand in hand with state and local officials to make the necessary repairs,” said Federal Highway Administrator Shailen Bhatt. “We know thousands of people and businesses rely on this interstate every day, which is why we are providing this quick release funding to ensure PennDOT can reopen this section of I-95 as quickly as possible.”
The funding will be used towards maintaining emergency operations and detour routes for a structure that normally carries about 160,000 vehicles on average each day, the demolition of damaged structures, and emergency repairs to restore essential traffic. PennDOT can also proceed with preliminary engineering, surveys and design as part of plans to perform the permanent restoration work and rebuild that section of I-95.
On June 11, a tanker truck exiting the interstate crashed and exploded under Interstate-95 in Philadelphia. The northbound bridge collapsed and the southbound bridge was severely compromised. The entire section will need to be replaced.
FHWA’s Emergency Relief program provides funding to States, territories, Tribes, and Federal Land Management Agencies for highways and bridges damaged by natural disasters or catastrophic external events. These “quick release” Emergency Relief funds are an initial installment of funds to help restore essential transportation. Additional funds needed to repair the damage to I-95 in Pennsylvania will continue to be supported by the Emergency Relief program.
More information about FHWA’s Emergency Relief program can be found online at:
https://www.fhwa.dot.gov/programadmin/erelief.cfm
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FMC Issues Supplemental Notice of Proposed Rulemaking on Unreasonable Refusal to Deal - Federal Trade Commission
A Supplemental Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (SNPRM) issued today by the Federal Maritime Commission proposes how the FMC would implement the prohibition on common carriers unreasonably refusing available cargo space to shippers.
The SNPRM that will be published in the Federal Register is a continuation of a rulemaking process mandated by the Ocean Shipping Reform Act of 2022 (PL 117-146). The Commission published a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) in September 2022, entitled Definition of Unreasonable Refusal to Deal or Negotiate with Respect to Vessel Space (Docket No. FMC-2023-0010). In order to fully address issues raised during the public comment period for the NPRM, the Commission announced in January that it would pursue an SNPRM with an additional public comment period, instead of moving forward with a Final Rule.
The SNPRM contains key changes from the NPRM issued last year, including:
• Adding language to establish the elements for a refusal of cargo space accommodations claim.
• Revising the definition of transportation factors to focus on vessel operation considerations.
• Revising the definition of the term “unreasonable” to include a general definition and a non-exhaustive list of unreasonable conduct scenarios.
• Clarifying that vessel space services are included in the definition of vessel space accommodations.
• Proposing a mandatory export policy documentation requirement as an alternative to the previously proposed voluntary export strategy.
• Removing the voluntary certification provision.
Upon publication in the Federal Register, the public will have 45 days to provide comments in response to the proposals put forth in the SNPRM. Instructions on how to submit comments to the Commission are included in the SNPRM.